Provocative News and Events from Southeast Asia with an emphasis on Vietnam. Included are Headlines from China, India, Indonesia and Cambodia. Majority of photos from personal stock of 25,000 are posted at http://www.chuckkuhnvietnam.blogspot.com Photo:Chuck Kuhn

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Thousands flock to Tran Temple Festival Tens of thousands of people converged on Tran Temple complex in Nam Dinh province on February 23 to attend one of the country’s biggest festivals during the year.

In his speech, the chairman of the Nam Dinh city People’s Committee highlighted the great contributions that the Tran dynastymade to the nation, and declared the start of this year’s seal issuance ceremony.

During the three-day event held annually on the 14th, 15th and 16th days of the first lunar month, various activities are taking place, including lion dances, classical opera performance, chess competitions, martial art performances, and traditionalwrestling competitions.

The annual event aims to educate younger generations about the predecessors’ heroism and encourage them to build a strong and wealthy nation.

With the death of 85 years old Boa Sr in Andaman Islands of India last week, the Bo language of prehistoric antiquity became extinct once an...

They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.” ― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

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Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.